Just wondering if anyone has successfully appealed this, I have been denied twice, even though I am eligible. The reason they give is "The job progression is too low from this degree path" I am 6 weeks into the course but no money rec'd, even though they told me initially that I was eligible and should have no problem getting it!

If you're having trouble getting a job maybe get help with your CV, interview skills etc. A linked in profile should help too. The jobs market is much better than it used to be but if you're struggling to get work in accounts then look for another job that would suit you.

I'd go one step further. I'd contact a local TD and ask them to write a rep, or even better, put a parliamentary question to the Department regarding that course, and if there are any in receipt of Back To Education Allowance.

yes, that;s a good point olddog - if the younger students are getting it then they are discriminating against you on age grounds

Maryb, in relation to advising you to get some letters to say that you are in fact employable - I had a battle with SW when I was in third level and the only language they engage with is facts or proof if you like - which I got and presented to them - and I won my case

So I wouldn't give up if I were you, get some case studies together of who is employing people with Irish degrees - print it out and send it to them, if you can get a company you know to write you a letter then all the better - factual evidence all the way

i realise now that the main reason I posted was the way that SW made me feel when I asked why they had denied me the allowance - it really was degrading, however I have got over it now and I have come to terms with the fact that I will not get it.

My career choices are very limited so hopefully I will be able to remain in college.

Thanks to everyone for their opinions, I do see where you are coming from.

Mary, well done on going back to do a degree as a mature student. It sounds more like discrimination on the grounds of age . Is the degree 3 or 4 years long? You mention that you are almost 60. Just to let you know that applicants over 65 cannot apply for jobs in the public/civil service. I wonder if this is a factor in their decision?Anyway I hope you get it sorted out . Can you ask your students union?

I didn't mean any disrespect I do honestly think it's great that you are choosing to educate yourself further. I just would have agreed that it would be a difficult area to get a job in after the course is finished. I too am a qualified accounting technician and would think there is more work out there in that line of work tbh.

I am in no way ageist but I know that regardless of what I think it is more difficult to get a job when you are older and the person is approx 5 years from retirement.

I hope I'm wrong and you should fight to get what is best for you and all the best to you

I suppose it's a very hard profession. Many journalists take years to get in a good position. Have you been able to publish much articles to date? The one successful journalist that I know, was writing and running the college newspaper all through his degree. And he still didn't find work straight away. Is there no work for accounting technicians now? I had hoped economy had picked up a bit in Dublin. Would it be possible to work part time and write part time? You don't necessarily need a degree to write articles. Or could you afford to do a part time course if you funded it yourself?

Mammy 15, I understand that I am not "in my prime" career wise, this I know personally, I am a qualified Accounting Technician but found it impossible to find work 3 years ago so got offered a community employment scheme and also began studying Irish, So I was delighted to be offered a place on a degree course in DCU. It is not easy sitting in lecture halls with 18 year olds but hey, is it not better than sitting at home getting depressed.

I have been a tax-payer all my life and would be delighted to get the opportunity to make further contributions - can this be said of all our young people who earned degrees and then moved abroad to live and work and pay taxes?

all I am asking for is a chance, my life is not over yet, and who knows where this road will take me, that is the beauty of Education.

smilemum40: there are many opportunities for irish speakers nowadays in the Civil Service and translation services. Journalism is going through a rough time with everything on digital media these days but that is what my degree course is about - moving with the times

Thank you all for opening my mind to how I should be thinking, and for going to the trouble of replying.

I agree it's fantastic that people want to educate themselves but in this instance I kinda of agree not to pay it...realistically how long is the course and how likely is it that you would get a job at the end of it? Admittedly I don't know a huge amount about it but is there many option for Irish journalism? What made you consider going back into educationa opposed to looking for a job?

an extra bit of advice I would give you on top of what you've got would be to get a letter from a business owner or owners (e..g newspaper, employment agency) - that state they would find the skills in your degree useful and would certainly consider employing you when you've finished your degree

I think it would be a strong counter-argument to them. The local politician also is a good idea - they know how to lobby on your behalf

its great you've gone back to education - your degree sounds really interesting, I can't understand how the government can justify refusing people who want to educate themselves - its in the best interests of society to have people with qualifications and education

Maybe try a local politician for help. The govt have decided you won't pay enough tax in your few working years so they aren't helping. It's completely ageist and so wrong. We were refused back dated child benefit for one of ours, we were a little late but also had difficulty getting his birth cert - previous child was registered in the hospital but no-one told us it had changed. Loads of back and forth until we got a politician to send an email and we had it a few days later.

The degree is in Gaeilge and journalism. I did email my student officer and she was horrified, that is when I appealed it and attached a copy of the career prospects.

To be honest, I think it is about my age - I am almost 60, however that means I have to wait another 7 years before I get a pension. I do not want to sit at home doing nothing and I am enjoying the course .

I will get back to my mature student officer, hopefully she can help me.

What is your degree in? Where is their evidence that there is low progression from the degree. Can you provide evidence to the contrary? The college may be able to provide you with evidence or the progression rates. Speak to your course director, student support services and the career guidance office .